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Can Your Toothbrush Give You Cancer?

Scientists now say that hollow head toothbrushes contain 3,000 more times bacteria than solid head toothbrushes, according to newswise.com.

Microbial counts were lower in the solid-head toothbrush group than in
the two hollow-head toothbrush groups in 9 out of 10 comparisons, in the study.

“Toothbrushes can transmit microorganisms that cause disease and
infections. A solid-head design allows for less growth of bacteria and
bristles should be soft and made of nylon,” said lead author and professor at the University of Texas Health School of Dentistry, Donna Warren Morris, R.D.H., M.Ed. at the Web site. “It is also
important to disinfect and to let your toothbrush dry between uses. Some
power toothbrushes now include an ultraviolet system or you can soak
the head in mouthwash for 20 minutes.”

The study was conducted over a three-week period where participants
brushed twice daily with one out of three randomly assigned power
toothbrushes. Participants used non-antimicrobial toothpaste and
continued their flossing routine throughout the study, but refrained
from using other dental products like mouthwash.

“The packaging
on most power toothbrushes won’t distinguish between a hollow-head and a
solid-head design,” Morris said. “The best way to identify a solid-head
design is through the connection to the body of the power toothbrush.
Naturally, there will be some space to connect the two parts but a
significant portion will be solid, up to the bristles or brush head.”

The good news is that the study found that there is no present or published study that has demonstrated that
bacterial growth on toothbrushes can lead to systematic health effects, but as Morris stated, several microorganisms have been associated with systemic diseases.

“We do know and there are studies that have linked Fusobacterium
to colorectal cancer. Some of these other bacteria have been linked
with cardiovascular disease,” Morris said. “There is a high association
with gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Researchers have been able
to culture the same bacteria around the heart that causes gum disease. ”

So don't take this as a reason not to brush. It's still very important. Just look into your toothbrushes a little more carefully.

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